Sweden's Liberal Party dodged a potentially divisive leadership contest when MP Cecilia Rönn announced she will not challenge acting leader Simona Mohamsson at Sunday's extraordinary party congress. In a Facebook post, Rönn said her priority is to be clear about values and not "contribute to further division." She added that she will leave national politics and will not run in the 2026 election. Rönn has been a critic of the party board's decision to seek closer cooperation with the Sweden Democrats (SD); her withdrawal clears the way for Mohamsson to be confirmed as leader. Hours later, the party announced that former leader and long-time education minister Lars Leijonborg, 76, will run in the 2026 parliamentary election. He said the Liberals are in a difficult situation but are needed in Swedish politics and he wants to help. Mohamsson welcomed the news, calling it a "sign of strength." Leijonborg led the party between 1997 and 2007 and is remembered for steering it back into parliament during the 2002 "Lejonkungen" campaign. Analysts see his return as an attempt to reassure wavering voters. The crisis stems from the Liberals' decision last week to potentially accept cabinet seats with the far-right Sweden Democrats if the centre-right Tidö coalition — the four-party governing agreement — retains power. Mohamsson acknowledged in a leaked recording that cooperation with SD is not her "first or second choice" but said it is necessary to keep the party in parliament. Many grassroots members oppose the move, arguing it betrays social-liberal values. With Rönn stepping aside and Leijonborg on board, Mohamsson hopes to shore up unity ahead of the 2026 campaign. Whether the strategy will attract voters or alienate them remains to be seen.
New attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East have shaken global markets. Dagens Industri reports that crude prices climbed sharply after strikes on facilities in the region, pushing US gasoline prices higher while American refineries run near maximum capacity. Regional differences exacerbate the price shock: east-coast refineries cannot easily supply the US west coast, causing local spikes at the pump. Meanwhile, Washington reportedly approved a weapons sale to the United Arab Emirates involving Patriot missile systems and Chinook helicopters worth about US $7 billion, further underscoring geopolitical tensions. Placera notes that the price gap between Brent (the global benchmark) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) in the US has widened to over $15 a barrel, the highest since Europe's 2022 energy crisis. Normally the spread hovers around $5, but reduced flows from the Middle East, logistical bottlenecks and speculation that the US might restrict oil exports have distorted the market. Christian Kopfer, commodities strategist at Handelsbanken, explains that Europe relies more heavily on Middle-Eastern oil and has less domestic production, so Brent has surged faster than WTI. Analysts paint a stark scenario if disruptions continue. DNB Carnegie oil analyst Oddvar Bjørgan tells Placera that attacks on the region's LNG hubs could take up to a year to repair, and global spare capacity is too small to compensate. In a worst-case scenario, oil might approach $200 per barrel. Higher energy costs have already shaken stock markets: the OMXS30 index fell 3.3% on Thursday but rebounded as Brent eased back to about $107 on Friday. Policymakers worry about knock-on effects on inflation and household budgets. Economists predict that prolonged high oil prices could slow Sweden's recovery and force the Riksbank (Sweden's central bank) to reconsider its interest-rate path.
In a candid interview with Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Norway's crown princess Mette-Marit said she regrets ever meeting convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and feels she was "manipulated and misled." She admitted she failed to investigate his background thoroughly and trusted friends who introduced them. The contact spanned 2011–2014, several years after Epstein's 2008 conviction; emails show they exchanged greetings, book recommendations and discussed potential visits. She now says she should have recognised warning signs earlier. The princess explained that at the time she travelled frequently to the United States for humanitarian work and was introduced to Epstein by acquaintances. During the interview she recalled searching online for information about Epstein and sensing something was wrong, yet she continued contact because she didn't fully grasp the severity of his crimes. She stressed the importance of critical thinking, saying she now takes greater care to verify information about people she meets. Public reaction in Norway has been strong. Some commentators praise her for taking responsibility, while others have questioned why the royal family did not address this sooner. Her husband, Crown Prince Haakon, later told NRK he was aware of her meetings with Epstein. The interview comes as their son, Marius Borg Høiby, faces serious criminal charges, adding to the royal family's difficulties. Analysts say Mette-Marit's acknowledgment may help restore trust but also highlights how elite networks can shield offenders.
The State Medical-Ethical Council recommends that doctors provide palliative care rather than life-support to infants born at week 22. Only exceptional cases should be resuscitated. The council notes that only about half of babies born before week 24 survive and many suffer severe disabilities. It also calls for parents' wishes to carry more weight, and urges the government to task the National Board of Health and Welfare with creating national guidelines.
Defence lawyer Johan Eriksson is petitioning Sweden's Supreme Court to reopen the 2004 Knutby murder case. The nanny, convicted of killing pastor Helge Fossmo's wife, has long claimed innocence. New forensic analysis and witness statements suggest another shooter may have been involved. Eriksson argues that modern ballistic techniques and overlooked evidence could exonerate his client. The case, involving a religious sect and shocking violence, captivated Sweden and still divides opinion.
After a 3.3% slide on Thursday, the Stockholm stock market opened higher on Friday. The OMXS30 index rose roughly 0.8% with sectors like real estate and raw materials gaining nearly 1%, while energy stocks remained under pressure. Individual winners included heat-pump maker Nibe (up 4.4%) and builder Skanska (up 1.6%). Analysts say the rebound reflects relief after oil prices eased, though volatility remains high.
Real-estate group Fastpartner announced that vice-president Christopher Johansson will take over as CEO at the 2026 annual meeting, succeeding his father and majority owner Sven-Olof Johansson. The elder Johansson will become executive chairman focusing on capital allocation and major investments. The move formalises a generational transition but keeps control within the family.
Swedish-American astronaut Jessica Meir spent about seven hours outside the International Space Station upgrading solar arrays and installing new energy-management equipment. Meir, who has a Swedish mother, gained fame for participating in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019. NASA hailed the mission as a success and a step toward future lunar and Mars exploration.
European countries and Japan issued a joint statement saying they will deepen cooperation on energy, security and trade to counter global tensions. The initiative aims to expand exchanges of green technology, support joint projects to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and maintain open trade routes. A joint working group will draft practical plans, with first projects expected next year.
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